Tag Archives: Photo Credit: sandiegotheatres.org

The opera house in San Diego was voted one of the top opera venues in the nation by Opera America. The musical performance of an opera in this state-of-the-art venue is something that everyone visiting San Diego must experience. Ticket prices start at $45 and you can even see your “view from a seat” when you reserve your ticket on the SD opera website. The San Diego Opera House is located inside the Civic Theater, just down the street from the San Diego International Airport. If you’re thinking about buying tickets for a show, learn more about cheap San Diego Airport hotels.

If you’re a first time opera spectator, we know it might seem somewhat intimidating. You can brush up on various performances as well as general opera knowledge by attending the pre-opera lecture in the theater 1 hour before the performance starts, listen to a 15 minute SD opera podcast (sandiegoopera.libsyn.com/rss), or grab eclectic information from online resource “Operapedia.”

Other Tips for Attending an Opera:

Dress to impress but know that black tie affair isn’t necessary. Some show up in casual attire like jeans and a collared dress shirt while others choose to don a full suit or floor length dress.

Show up early for Fun on the Concourse. Mix and mingle in front of the theater before the show where you can grab a bite to eat from one of their food vendors: La Creperie, Red Oven Pizza, Bread & Cie and Puesto.

Don’t have so much fun that you don’t make it to your seat before the doors close. If you arrive late you’ll have to enjoy Act I from the lobby.

Turn off all electronic devices… and your voice. The acoustics in an opera house sound as beautiful as they do because voices and music travel extremely well without the need for a microphone. That means your distracting chit-chattering can travel as well.

Leave the kids at home. Young ones without an appreciation for dramatic performances might not appreciate a lengthy opera and decide to throw a mini drama of their own.

Be prepared to read super titles as most operas are sung in a different language. And for those unfamiliar with the term, super titles display the translation in English above the stage.

Enjoy your intermission. The 20 minute break is a great time to stretch your legs and grab a drink, so use it wisely.

Stay after hours for Afterglow at the Beverly Hills Salon on the 2nd level of the Civic Theater. Schmooze with fellow opera lovers and the cast themselves over a craft cocktail. Then, hit the town in the Gaslamp Quarter where great bars and restaurants are abounding.

Pacific Inn & Suites has the perfect post opera hotel options that happen to be comfortable, convenient and wallet friendly. Our downtown San Diego budget hotel is located less than 1 mile from the opera house inside the Civic Theater. Keep it classy and call 1-800-571-2933 today to see if you can score a discounted rate on our already affordable rooms and suites!